As anticipation builds for the Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKE) in 2023, a significant show of unity and peace took center stage in Iligan City with the successful conduct of the Unity Walk and Covenant Signing held yesterday, October 14. The event was organized by key stakeholders including the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) Iligan City, the Iligan City Police Office (ICPO), 2nd Mechanized Infantry Battalion, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), and the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Iligan City. In a display of commitment, the 2023 BSKE candidates, significant officials, and religious leaders joined in a Unity Walk that culminated in a ceremonial Covenant Signing at the City Public Plaza.
𝗡𝘂𝗿𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗗𝗲𝗺𝗼𝗰𝗿𝗮𝗰𝘆 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗦𝗼𝗹𝗶𝗱𝗮𝗿𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝘁𝗵𝗿𝗼𝘂𝗴𝗵 𝗖𝗼𝗹𝗹𝗮𝗯𝗼𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗘𝗳𝗳𝗼𝗿𝘁𝘀
The collaborative spirit of various stakeholders, including the DILG Iligan City, underscored the significance of ensuring peaceful and transparent elections. The event began with a Unity Walk that commenced at the Ludo Building, where BSKE 2023 hopefuls representing diverse backgrounds came together with a shared commitment to democracy and peace.
The Unity Walk was a testament to the power of unity and collaboration, emphasizing that elections are not merely about choosing leaders, but about forging connections and creating a peaceful environment for all to exercise their democratic rights.
𝗠𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗮𝗴𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝗨𝗻𝗶𝘁𝘆
DILG Iligan City Director, Maria Maida B. Daniot, emphasized a crucial message for the candidates, urging them to remember the true essence of public service. She stated, “Our presence here today is not just about participating in a unity walk or signing a piece of paper. It’s about embracing the essence of democracy – the power of the people to choose their leaders. Candidates, remember that you run for office not because of the privilege, compensation, or power it may bring, but because you want to serve. Public service is a noble calling, and it is through this service that we can truly make a difference in the lives of our fellow citizens.”
CD Daniot’s words resonated with the importance of candidates embracing a selfless commitment to serving their community rather than pursuing personal gain, privilege, or power. This message underscored the significance of integrity and genuine dedication in the democratic process, reminding candidates that their primary role is to uplift and better the lives of the people they aspire to represent.
She further emphasized that assuming office in their respective barangays comes with a solemn duty to always be readily available to provide services, reinforcing the idea that public office is a responsibility to be discharged with unwavering dedication to the well-being of the community.
𝗔 𝗦𝘆𝗺𝗯𝗼𝗹𝗶𝗰 𝗣𝗹𝗲𝗱𝗴𝗲 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗣𝗲𝗮𝗰𝗲 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗠𝘂𝗹𝘁𝗶𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝗦𝘁𝗮𝗸𝗲𝗵𝗼𝗹𝗱𝗲𝗿𝘀
The activity culminated with the ceremonial Covenant Signing which served as a rallying point for the 2023 BSKE candidates, all united in their determination to ensure a peaceful and orderly election season. The Covenant Signing served as a symbolic commitment to upholding the values of democracy and fostering a peaceful electoral process. The event underscored the importance of unity and collaboration among Iligan City’s residents.
The successful conduct of the activity hopes to send a powerful message to Iligan City – that even in the midst of political fervor, the ideals of peace, unity, and democracy remain at the forefront. It showcased the spirit of cooperation and common purpose that can guide a community towards a brighter and more harmonious future, as they exercise their democratic rights in the forthcoming elections.
As Iligan City gears up for the forthcoming elections, the Unity Walk and Covenant Signing served as a powerful reminder that, regardless of political affiliations, the commitment to a peaceful, fair, and transparent electoral process unites the community for the common good. (𝘋𝘐𝘓𝘎 𝘐𝘭𝘪𝘨𝘢𝘯 𝘊𝘪𝘵𝘺 | 𝘔. 𝘙𝘢𝘰𝘱𝘢𝘯)
